San Diego vs Dallas: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
San Diego's typical home is worth $783,300, 189% higher than the typical home in Dallas at $270,700.
Median household income is $98,657 in San Diego versus $63,985 in Dallas.
On median rent, San Diego runs $2,080 while Dallas runs $1,305.
On climate risk, the two cities are evenly matched — both rated "Very High" by FEMA.
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,383,987 | 1,300,642 |
| Median home value | $783,300 | $270,700 |
| Median household income | $98,657 | $63,985 |
| Median gross rent | $2,080 | $1,305 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
On housing costs, Dallas, TX looks more affordable than San Diego, CA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.